Velociraptor vandal gang targets pub’s dinosaur duo

Josh Jeffrey, chef at Harry's Carvery, Wyke, with one of the vandalised dinosaurs.

Published:15:00Tuesday 23 December 2014

Dinosaurs who were a star attraction at a Wyke pub have been stolen and vandalised by a gang of vandals.

For the last three years the 18 foot and five foot velociraptors Gertrude and Arrrthur have given children and passersby much joy at Harry’s Carvery, on Whitehall Road.

But on Saturday morning, December 20, at 7.30am the group ripped the small dinosaur from its plinth and snapped the nine foot tail from the larger creature.

Di Fuller, who purchased the prehistoric models, said she could not understand the mindless act of the group.

“They have smashed up the little one and the tail was found in the road,” she said.

“They were seen throwing it around the road and ran off down Whitehall Road towards the Chain Bar roundabout. The police were informed by a number of people and responded quickly but unfortunately no-one was caught.

“People look forward to seeing them on their commute, parents who have said how much their children loved to see them and have their photo taken, and friends of Harry’s staff knew how much the dinosaurs meant to their friends.

“They could not believe the mindless act of vandalism to something that put smiles on people’s faces on a daily basis.”

She said that all the staff are upset over the situation and she hopes someone with information about the vandalism will come forward.